From Case Western Reserve University Athletics
Drafted earlier this summer by the Toronto Blue Jays, pitcher Rob Winemiller (Twinsburg, Ohio/University School) has decided to return to Case Western Reserve University for his senior campaign.
Back on June 7, Winemiller became just the second player in team history to be selected in the Major League Baseball Draft. The Blue Jays picked him in the 25th round as the 744th overall selection.
"It was an experience that truly changed my life and a moment I will never forget," said Winemiller. "I have so many people to thank, including my teammates and coaches. The last three years in a Spartan uniform have been the best of my life."
Winemiller will now work to complete his degree in accounting and pitch for the Spartans, who have back-to-back NCAA Regional runner-up finishes. He will be eligible for the MLB Draft once again in 2015.
"After weighing the pros and cons with my parents, we truly felt that coming back to CWRU was the right thing to do," noted Winemiller. "I not only want to finish my degree that I've worked so hard for over the past three years, but I want to play one more season with these guys."
Winemiller was named the top Division III draft prospect in the nation last fall by perfectgame.org. That ranking came on the heels of his performance during summer ball with the Geneva Redwings of the New York Collegiate Baseball League. The 2014 season was Winemiller's first as a collegiate pitcher. Out of the bullpen, he went 1-0 with a save, a 4.05 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 20 innings of work.
"Right now, my drive is to help CWRU get to the World Series," stated Winemiller. "We watched another team hoist the trophy at regionals this past year, and our goal is to be that team in 2015."
Third baseman Eric Macha is the only other CWRU player to be selected in the MLB Draft. He was a 33rd round selection of the Oakland Athletics in 2003.
Winemiller Headlines
athletics.case.edu (June, 2014)
Rob Winemiller Selected by Toronto Blue Jays in
25th Round of MLB Draft
MLB.com (April, 2014)
Draft prospect ascension a whirlwind for
Winemiller
Plain Dealer (March, 2014)
One inning transforms Case Western Reserve pitcher
Rob Winemiller into startling pro prospect